Emergency lighting set



Sept. 2, 1930. c JACKSQN I 1,774,603

EMERGENCY LIGHTING SET Filed Dec. 2, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet l v 1 I Sept.2, 1930. c. A. JACKSON EMERGENCY LIGHTING SET Filed Dec. 2, 1926 55*Sheets-Sheet 2 p 2, 1930- c. A. JACKSON EMERGENCY LIGHTING SET FiledDec. 2, 1926 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 2, 1930 UNITED STATECHARLES A. JACKSON, 43% RIDQTEWQQYU, NEW

Application filed December h, 19%. ficrlal Ho. were This inventionrelates generally to electrical power generating equipment, and moreparticularly to a hydroelectric unit adapted 19 automatically'inaccordance with the main supply, and more particularly to open the inletI valve automatically when the main supply fails, and to permit closingof said valve when the main supply is normal.

A further object is to provide an improved arrangement whereby a set ofemergency lamps .may be supplied with current from the main source, andto permit the carer'- gency unit to also supply said emergency lamps,even though the controlling switch therefor is open.

A further object is to provide, in my improved arrangement, a generatoradapted to effect a substantially constant voltage, irrespective of loadfluctuations on or speed variations of, the prime mover which, in thespecific aspect of the invention, is shown as a h draulic impulse wheel,although it will, o2 course, be understood that any suit- 30 able orusual other type ofhydraulic prime mover could be used, such as areaction turbine.

- Further objects and advantages will appear from the description of theaccompany ing drawings, in which lg. 1 is an end elevation of the unit;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the unit taken on line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing the controlling means indetail and the turbine diagrammatically;

Fig. 4 is a wiring diagram of the genorator field;

Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram of the switch control for the main emergencysupplies;

- F ig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a modification of the generatingunit showing means for closing the turbine valve automatically when themain current supply is restored.

In hospitals, theaters, movmg picture houses and the like, it is highlyessential that the electric current supply be continuous at all times,'r'or should the current supply fail, the exit l ghts in the theaters orother necessary lights in the hospitals would go out, thereby leavingthe same in darkness, with the attendant dangers, In such. situations,it is desirable to have an emergency source of current supply derivedfrom a source on tirely independent from the normal or main supply. Toaccomplish this, I use prefer-- ahly a hydraulically operated generatorre solving the actuating fluid therefor from the city water supplysystem, and there is also provided an automatic control for the valve orgate mechanism controlling fluid 3 for controllingfluid flow from asupply pipe 4, which may be connected to the city water supply system orto any other suitable source. The type of flow control mechti l anismwould, of course, vary in accordance with the style of turbine, but ingeneral the operation would he the same for any type of turbineemployed. The needle 3 extends rearwardly through a hearing 5 andsuitable packing associated therewith. A spring 6 is interposed betweenthe frame 7 and a collar 8 formed on the needle stem 3, while ahand'lever 9 is pivotally connected at its lower end through suitablelinkage 10 to the frame 7, and to the collar 8 as at 11. Normally, thespring 6 will tend to force the hand-lever 9 and the needle 3 in a righthand direction to permit flow to the turblue, and to control thismovement so that it will occur automatically when the main supply fails,there is provided a controlling mechanism comprising a latch-bar 12pivotally connected to the hand-lever as at 13 and extending through anenlarged opening 14 formed in an upwardly extending por-' tion of theframe 7. The free end of the bar 12 has a slot 15 cooperating with aguide-- pin 16 fixed in the frame 7. A collar 17 is fixed to the bar 12,and adapted to limit the needle 3 automatically comprises a piston andcylinder arrangement 51 operatively connected through suitable linkagesto the hand-lever 9. This motor could be operated by either water, airpressure, or the like, and fluid-flow to which is controlled by asuitable balanced valve 52 havin inlet and exhaust pipes 53 and 54respectively. As pressure must be exerted on the piston in only alefthand direction, the left end of the cylinder may be open, and inorder to permit rapid exhaust of fluid from the closed cylinder end, arelatively large pipe 55 can be used. This will permit rapid exhaust ofthe fluid and relatively quick movement of the switch 27 when themovable member of valve 52 is in its lower position. lVhen said valve isin its upper position, fluidis supplied to the cylinder through pipes 53and 55. The movement of the balanced valve is effected by connection tothe solenoid core C,-and comprises a rod 56.

In operation, when the main current supply goes oil, the solenoid coredrops, carrying with itvalve 52, wherebyffiuid from cylinder 51 isexhausted. The fluid pressure in passage 4, plus the tension of spring6, then causes the needle valve 3 to open and start up the emergencyunit. When the main supply of current is restored, fluid will besupplied to the cylinder 51 and move handle 9 and the nozzle needle in aleft hand direction to shut down the emergency unit.

It is thus seen that in either modification the power for-moving theflow control or gate mechanism is self-contained with respect to theinstallation in that the power is obtained either from the mechanicalconstruction, such asthe spring 6 or equivalent, or from the hydraulicarrangement whereby the actuating fluid is or may be, derived from thesamesource as that for driving the turbine. Therefore in one aspect ofthe inven tion there is no need for an external source of power such asa storage battery which involves not only complications but alsorendersthe unit more or less unreliable.

While I have shown two forms which my invention may assume, it will ofcourse be understood that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

I claim: 7

1. In an electrical system the combination with a main source ofelectricity, of an emergency unitcomprising an electrical generator anda hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow-control mechanism forsaid tur-. bine, means whereby after the flow mechanism is closed it isnormally prevented from opening during maintenance of the main currentsupplythereby causing the unit to be inoperative, and means forreleasing said latter means to eifect opening of said flow mechalatchmechanism upon failure of the main source of supply, whereby the flowmechanism is adapted to be opened to start the unit.

3. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source of supplyof electricity, of an emergency electrical generating unit having agenerator, a hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow controlmechanism for said turbine, self-contained power means for opening saidflow mechanism, and means, including a solenoid controlled by the mainsource of current supply, for initiating op eration of said power meansin order to open said flow mechanism thereby starting the unit uponfailure of the main source of current, said solenoid being independentof said power means after said initiating operation is effected.

45. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency electrical generating unit havinga generator, a hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow controlmechanism for said turbine, means whereby said flow mechanism is adaptedto be moved to and held in closed position so that normally the unit isinoperative, means for moving said flow mechanism to open position bypower, and means responsive to failure of the main source of currentfor-initiating operation of said power means thereby to open said flowmechanism and start the unit.

5. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source of supplyof electricity, of an emergency electrical generating unit having agenerator,a hydraulic turbine, for driving the same, and means forcontrolling the operation of said turbine automatically in accordancewith the supply of current 1,774,eos

efi'ectin opening of said flow mechanism when t e main source failsincluding electrically controlled releasable means for controlling thestarting of-said turbine, means for automatically rendering said unitinop erative when said main source is restored, and self-contained powermeans for moving said lion control mechanism to open position when saidautomatic opening operation is efiected,

16. In an electrical system, the combina tion with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency lighting unit comprising agenerator, a hydraulic prime mover for driving the same, means forautomatical ly effecting operation of said emergency unit when the mainsource instantly and complete ly fails, and means for automaticallyrendering said unit inoperative when said main source is restored, oneof said means including a fiuid-pressure-operated element and a solenoidoperated member for controlling fluid actuation thereof, said solenoidbeing controlled by the main current supply,-

17. In an electrical system the combination with a main source of supplyof electricity, of an emergency lighting unit comprising a generator, ahydraulic prime mover for driv ing the same, means for automaticallyefi'ecting' operation of said emergency unit when the Ina 1 sourcefails, and means for auto matically rendering said unit inoperatifiewhen said mainsource is restored, both of said means includingfluid-pressure-operated means. 7

18. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency lighting unit C011) prising agenerator, a hydraulic prime mover for driving" the same, means forautomatically efi'ccting operation or" said emergency unit when the mainsource fails, and means for automatically rendering said unitinoperative when said main source is restored, both of said meansincluding fluid-pressure-operated means and a solenoid for controllingthe fluid-operating pressure to at least one oi said pressure operatedmeans, said solenoid being connected to the main source of cur rent.

19, in an electrical system, the coinbination with a .ain source ofcurrent supply, of an emergency lighting unit comprising generator, ahydraulic turbine driving the same, a nozzle for said turbine, openating means for said nozzle, and a solenoid adapted, upon failure ofsaid main source, only to initiate functioning of operat means therebyto open said nozzle.

an elect-foal system, the combination wi h a main source or currentsupply, of an emergency lighting unit comprising a generator, ahydraulic turbine for driving the same, a nozzle for said turbine,operating Means for said nozzle, and solenoid con trolled means adapted,upon failure of said main source, to initiate functioning of saidoperating means thereby to open said nozzle, said solenoid controlledmeans having provision whereby said solenoid is adapted to remainstationary after its initiating operattion and. While said nozzlecontinues to more to its open position.

%i, .ln an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofcurrent supply, of

an emergency lighting unit comprising a generator, a hydraulic turbinefor driving the same, a nozzle provided with a needle for controllingfluid flow to said turbine, latch mechanism for holding said needle inits closed position, and means whereby upon release of said latchmechanism, said needle is moved to its open position.

22. ln an electrical system, the combina tion With a main source ofcurrent supply, of an emergency light-in, unit adapted for cooperationWith said main source ct supply of electricity, said. unit comprising; agenerator, hydraulic impulse turbine for driving the same, a nozzleprovided with a needle controlling fluid flow to said turbine, springdisposed so as to move said needle in opera direction, latch mechanismfor restraii rig the action of said spring so as to hold toe needle inits closed position and adanted upon release to to more needle to i Anemergency l in combination, a geneiwor, a laydrauli bins, mechanism liorcontrolling flow to the turbine, means for exerting force on mechanismto tend constantly to more the same to an open position, and a latchmechanism adapted to hold flow control mocha in its closed poistion andto be released -to permit opening thereof,

5242., An emergency lighting unit comprising generator, a hydraulicimpulse turbine for driving the same, a nozzle provided W ii a needlefor controlling" fluid lied to said tun bins, means "for holding saidneedle in closed position including a latch ha ing latch bar whichextends for a substantial distance y parallel to said needle, meanscreating a force constantly exerted on said needle an open. 1gdirection, and

"v l a, ase latch whereby said eye to open position, emergency ting unitco;

ator, by ,raulic llill permit said spring s open posi 2L mining thesame, control provided with means which const 26. An emergency lightinunit comprising a generator, a hydraulic impulse turbine for driving thesame, a nozzle casing provided with a needle rod for controlling fluidflow to said turbine, said needle rod extending outwardly from saidnozzle casing, a lever connected to the outer end of said needle rod andextending substantially in an upward direction, means for holding saidneedle and lever in a closed position, and means for releasing the sameincluding a supporting structure carried above and by said nozzlehousing, operating members connected to said lever and extendinginwardly to said supporting structure, and means carried within saidstructure for operating upon said inwardly extending members.

emergency lighting unit adapted for cooperation with a main source ofsup ply of electricity, said unit comprising a generator, hydraulicimpulse turbine for driving the same, a nozzle housing provided with aneedle rod for controlling fluid flow to said turbine, said needle rodhaving its outer end extending outwardly from said nozzle housing, meansconstantly exerting a force for said needle in an opening direction, ahand lever connected to the outer end of said needle, a supportingstructure carried by and disposed above said nozzle hous ing, a solenoidand switch mechanism disposed within said supporting structure, andmeans connected to said hand lever and entending inwardly to saidstructure and having operative connection with said switch and solenoidmechanisms whereby, upon failure of said main source of supply ofelectricity, said solenoid functions to effect opening of said needlewith consequent throwing of said switch.

28. An emergency lighting unit comprising a generator, a hydraulicturbine for driving the same, flow control mechanism for said turbine,and means for controlling said flow mechanism including latch mechanismadapted to be held in latched position when said flow control mechanismis closed, means for releasing said latch mechanism, and self-containedpower means for moving said flow mechanism to open position when saidlatch mechanism is released.

29. An emergency lighting unit comprlsing, generator, a hydraulicturbine for driving the same, a flow control mechanism for said turbine,and means for controlling said flow control mechanism including relasable mechanism adapted when released to permit opening of said flowcontrol mechanism, and solenoid controlled means for releasing saidreleasable mechanism by imparting a striking blow thereto.

30. in an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency electrical generat malt having agenerator, hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow controlmechanism for said turbine, a switch, means for actuating said switchupon movement of said flow control mechanism, latch mechanism adapted toprevent opening of the flow mechanism after closure thereof, and meansfor releasing said latch mechanism upon failure of the main source ofsupply whereby said flow mechanism is adapted to be opened to start theunit.

31. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency electrical generating unit havinga generator, a hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow-controlmechanism for said turbine, a switch positively connected to said flowcontrol mechanism whereby said switch is actuated directly upon movementof said flow control mechanism, latch mechanism adapted to preventopening of the flow mechanism after closure thereof, and means forreleasing said latch mechanism upon failure of the main source ofsupply, whereby the flow mechanism. is adapted to be opened to start theunit and throw said switch.

8:2. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity,'of an emergency electrical generating unit havinga generator, a hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow controlmechanism for saidturbine, means whereby said flow mechanism is adaptedto be moved to and held in closed position so that normally the unit isinoperative, means for moving said flow mechanism to open position bypower, switch mechanism, means for throwing the same when said flowmechanism is moved to its open position, and means responsive to failureof the main source of current for initiating operation of said powermeans thereby to open said flow mechanism and start the unit and tothrow said switch.

83. In an electrical system, the combination with a main source ofsupply of electricity, of an emergency electrical generating unit havinga generator, a hydraulic turbine for driving the same, flow controlmechanism for said turbine, means whereby said flow mechanism is adaptedto be moved to and held in closed position so that normally the unit isinoperative, means for moving said flow mechanism to open position bypower, a switch, means for effecting a positive mechanical connectionbetween said power means and switch thereby to ac tuate said switch uponopening of said flow mechanism, and means responsive to failure of themain source of current for initiating operation of said power meansthereby to open said flow mechanism and start the unit and to throw saidswitch.

CHARLES 1L JACKSON.

